Call to worship
Great God of the Universe, your voice called forth all things into being.
You have called us to follow and you call us now to worship.
Awaken us, Great God, awaken us to a sense of your presence.
As your love goes before us help us to follow with joy.
Candle Lighting
To nurture the seeds of love and hope sown in our souls,
We light the flame.
To celebrate the holiness folded into our everyday lives
We light the flame,
To share the fruits of generosity and compassion
We light the flame.
May its dancing life draw us into joyful communion with all of life.
Prayer of confession
Patient God, all too often we are so attached to our way of doing things that we close our hearts and minds to the possibility of doing things your way. Forgive us.
Patient God, all too often we are so attached to our point of view that we close our eyes to the new insights you want to show us. Forgive us.
Patient God, all too often we are so attached to our style of living that we close our ears to your call to discipleship, or like Moses before the burning bush, we are full of good reasons to excuse ourselves from being of service to you. Forgive us.
Patient God, we often can clearly see when others are being foolish, and are quick to judge the, but are blind to our own lack of wisdom and are slow to change. Forgive us.
Patient God, we can also be overly occupied with our own problems, and too little aware or concerned for the struggles of others. Forgive us.
Patient God, in this season of Lent, as we journey toward Easter and the story of death and resurrection, of love poured out and forgiveness freely given, help us to glimpse your bigger vision for life, for fullness in our lives, and may this crack us open to your wonderful wisdom.
We ask in the name and spirit of Christ Jesus. Amen
Readings Psalm 32; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Reflection
Prayers of the people
Closing prayer
God who sows life and love and joy with wild abandon may our hearts be open fields to your Spirit.
God who works the yeast and flour to make loaves in abundance may our lives be soft as dough for your Spirit.
God who searches out the lost, the busy, the driven, the entrapped may our efforts, ambitions and energies be found and carried by your Spirit. Amen
Blessing
May the peace of God the Christ be with you and rest upon you,
so that your life radiates peace.
May the joy of the Holy Spirit fill you and refresh you,
so that your life overflows with joy.
And may the Love of God surround you and embrace you,
so that your life is lovely with love,
And so go out into the world to serve,
that through our living in love, joy and peace
all the children of the earth may know we are one family.
Amen.
